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Blair County Newspaper Articles

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Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Thursday, September 1, 1859

DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CONFERENCE. - The Democratic Conferees of this Senatorial District, met at Tyrone on Thursday last. Dr. R. W. Christy, of this county, was chosen Chairman and Cyrus L. Pershing, of Cambria, and James Larimer, of Clearfield, Secretaries. Maj. Theodore Snyder, of this county, Augustin Durbin, of Cambria, and Wm. A. Wallace, of Clearfield, were nominated for Senator. 220 ballots were had without making a nomination, at this time Maj. Snyder withdrew his name, and on the 221st ballot the vote stood 5 for Durbin, and 3 for Wallace. Mr. Durbin having received a majority of all the votes cast was thereupon declared the nominee.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, September 1, 1859, page 2

LOCAL ITEMS.

THE AURORA BOREALIS. - The Northern Light, on Sunday night last, was the most magnificent specimen of this phenomenon over witnessed in this region of country. It was truly indescribably beautiful; but, for the benefit of those of our readers who were so unfortunate as not to have witnessed it, we give the following as-near-as-possible perfect description of the sublime sight, from the Phila. Bulletin: -

"The sun had set in a clear bright sky, and soon after dark a peculiar appearance, resembling twilight, was observed in the north. As the evening advanced the light became more intense, and it assumed a streaky appearance the lines of which were variegated with green, blue and crimson colors. These beautiful lights seemed to shoot up from the northern horizon. After a time they gathered in the centre of the heavens, rather south of the zenith, and from that point the rays diverged, covering the eastern, western and northern skies, and having the exact appearance of a canopy spread out over the sky and extending in arches of colored light to the horizon where it seemed to fade out. While the form of a canopy or of a gigantic transparent umbrella was still retained there were constant changes in progress among the rays of light and in the arrangement of the colors; but every change was harmonious, and new and brilliant effects were constantly produced as though the magnificent components of the Aurora had been chopped into pieces, and placed in n titanic kaleidoscope, through which the beholder watched the celestial fire works, as the gigantic instrument revolved, and brought about new and still more exquisite combinations and effects. The crown of the heavenly canopy had a murky red appearance, which extended east and west, intensifying near the eastern and western horizon into deep and brilliant crimson. In the north the spurs of light assumed colors which varied in hue and intensity almost momentarily; green and blue were the principal colors in this portion of the display. The stars, which shone brilliantly in the southern heavens, and which could be seen glimmering through the polar canopy, added greatly to the beauty of the spectacle."

The cause of the phenomenon has for years past been a subject of much speculation among the learned of the world, but nothing certain or reliable has ever been produced. Astronomers have told us that it was the reflection of the Arctic iceberg under the illumination of the God of Day; but rational as the idea seems, philosophers have hooted at it, and attempted to explain it on electrical principles - philosophers in their turn, have been laughed at, and the matter has been an uncertain mystery. Yet the results of Sunday night's display have proved beyond doubt that electricity has, to say the least, a great deal to do with the so-called Aurora Borealis of the Temperate Zones. All over our State, (we read in our exchanges,) the telegraphic wires were rendered useless on that evening, and at Harrisburg one of the operators chanced to touch one of the wires, and was "thrown, by the violence of the shock which he received, across the room." And, moreover, philosophy as now taught, (and actual observation,) demonstrates the fact that the Earth's atmosphere, when surcharged with electricity, is rendered frigid ; and on Sunday night last, our citizens were forced to add an additional blanket to their beds, to prevent a chill - not to mention the visible frost on Monday morning. A new subject for investigation, at any rate, is presented to our philosophers, and we think they will finally and universally adopt the opinion that electricity has more to do with the phenomenon of the Northern Lights than the reflection of the sun upon the icebergs of the Arctic Regions.

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY. - On Thursday morning last, as Geo. When, clerk in Plack's store across the way, was opening the store, he observed a man passing with several pairs of boots and a pair of shoes on his arm. The man looked a little suspicious, which prompted George to ask him where he had obtained his goods, and the stranger replied that he had got them at the Peoples' Cheap Shoe Store. This confirmed George's suspicion, as he observed that the proprietor of the Shoe Store had not yet opened his establishment and consequently was not about, and he plied the fellow with a few more questions which he could not answer satisfactorily, when he determined to take the boots from the chap, to which operation he did not seriously object, but afterwards made himself scarce. When Mr. Kimball opened his store shortly afterwards, he missed several pair of boots which had been left hanging close to the show window, and on examination he found that one half of a broken pane of glass had been slid up past the others, and the boots thus taken out. On making known his loss the boots captured a short time previous were shown him and immediately identified. When we consider that this operation was performed after daylight and when a number of persons were on the street, we think it about as bold an one as could well be undertaken.

DEPARTED. - On Saturday evening last, our young friend Kimball, proprietor of the "Peoples' Shoe Store," called to bid us farewell, having determined to pitch his tent in another locality. We were sorry to part with such a whole-souled fellow, but presume he knew his own business best, and therefore all we can do is to wish him a good location, a good run of customers and a good time generally in the future.

A correspondent writing from Duncansville, gives us an account of a pic nic held in Moore's Grove, at the foot of Plane 10, which must have been a pleasant gathering. Revs. Junkin and Fichtner were present and delivered appropriate addresses. He says further, that "there are hopes entertained here that the Portage Iron Works will start soon, but it is quite uncertain. Every one in this vicinity is praying that they may start and thereby revive business in Duncansville." The examination of teachers for Allegheny school district came off on Tuesday of last week. The applicants, with one exception, were quite young men. The following selections were made by the Directors:

Duncansville, 1st school - Mr. Suitor
" 2d school, Mr. John Clingerman.
Foot of Ten - Mr. Ingersoll.
Bennington - Mr. D. M. Albaugh.
Sugar Run - Mr. J. Alex. Black.
Spencer's Run - Mr. H. A. Conrad.
Dysart's - Mr. J. M. Stiffler.

THE PRESBYTERIAN COLONY. - The Presbyterian Colony project is getting along finely, as we understand from Mr. Crawford, the Secretary. He informs us that ninety-one men (most of them having families,) have signified a desire to embark in the enterprise, and have offered to invest some $50,000 in it. Their vocations are varied and suitable, comprising farmers, carpenters, cabinet-makers, tinners, printers, teachers, preachers, stone-masons, merchants, attorneys, clerks, &c. &c. Having now secured the complement fixed upon in the first place, the managers of the affair will issue a call for a meeting of those interested, to be held in the course of a few weeks, to appoint a committee to visit and report upon proposed locations for the colony, &c. Several points are offered, and strong inducements are held out to secure the settlement, but no one is able to give anything more than a vague guess as to where the choice will fall. - Persons at any time desiring information as to the Colony, should address John A. Crawford, Hollidaysburg, Pa., enclosing a P. O. stamp. - Hol. Register.

ALTOONA GAS AND WATER WORKS. - Quite a large force of men are now at work laying the gas and water pipes through the streets, excavating the basins for the water and gas and laying the foundation of the gas house. Should the weather prove favorable, and all the pipe arrive in time, the works will be completed by the first, or, at farthest, the middle of November. It is the intention of the company to have all the pipe laid down through the streets by the time the reservoir and gas works are finished, so that water and gas can be conveyed to all parts of the town as soon as it is received into the reservoir and manufactured at the gas house. Those who wish either should signify their desire to the proper persons immediately, so that the pipes may be tapped opposite their residences or places of business, as they are laid down, thus saving trouble hereafter.

SHOW ABOUT. - On Monday morning last, a travelling caravan stopped at this place and pitched a tent on a vacant lot up street, and hung out a number of life-size pictures - one of a lady called the snake- tamer, who performed various feats with the subtle enemy who tempted and betrayed mother Eve. Another of a mermaid, with a woman's head and fishes tail, likely the same one we read of in P. T. Barnum's life of himself - together with others which we did not stop to admire. Very few of our citizens exhibiting a desire to "go in" and "get squeezed" or humbugged, the proprietor pulled up stakes and left next morning. The people of Altoona have been so much surfeited with exhibitions of this kind lately, that it now requires something extra to draw a crowd at such entertainments.

ADDRESS. - Judge Taylor, of Huntingdon, has accepted the invitations of the Managers of the Blair County Agricultural Society, to deliver an address on the occasion of the coming Fair. - Those who know the man need not be told that it will be well worth listening to, and to those who have not had the pleasure of hearing him, we can promise that it will be one replete with information.

CHANGE. - The time of holding the Military Encampment at Tyrone, has been changed from the 17th of October to the 19th of September. It is expected that quite a number of companies from adjoining counties will be in attendance. The committee of arrangements are now busily engaged in fitting up the ground, and will have everything in good order.

SINGING SCHOOL. - Prof. G. W. Huey, of Pittsburgh, is now in this place, for the purpose of getting up a class of children and giving instructions in vocal music. The Prof. comes highly recommended by the ministers, lawyers and other prominent citizens of Greensburg, Johnstown, Ebensburg, and all places where he has been giving instructions. The Ebensburg Mountaineer, in noticing his farewell concert in that place, given on Monday night last, says: "We scarcely thought it possible for children to attain such proficiency in so short a time. The harmony exhibited was really astonishing, and in every portion of the exercise, evidence was given that a master hand had been training them."

THANKS. - The Ladies of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, Altoona, desire to return their thanks to the directors and members of the Altoona Mechanics' Library and Reading Room Association for their kindness and courtesy in granting the use of their room; and also to the Welsh Miners Glee Club and the auctioneers for their valuable and efficient aid rendered during the Fair.

SCHOOL BOOKS. - H. Fettinger has just received an extensive assortment of the various kinds of school books used in this place and surrounding districts, which he will sell at a small advance on first cost. Also, all kinds of stationery, such as copy books, pens, pencils, inks, slates, &c., all of which will be sold cheap. Clark's Writing Fluid is just suited to school purposes.

ABOUT TO LEAVE. - Our excellent dentist, Dr. W. S. Bittner, informs us that he is preparing to start on a visit to his friends, in the course of a week or so, and that he will be absent for four weeks; therefore, all those who wish anything in his line should call during the latter part of the present week or beginning of next.

NOTICE. - The fourth instalment on the capital Stock of the Altoona Gas and Water Company will be due and made payable at the Banking House of Wm. Lloyd & Co., on the 16th day of September.

B. F. ROSE, Secretary, Altoona, Sept. 1, 1859

Sunday School Celebration.

MESSRS. McCRUM & DERN: - The scholars, teachers and friends of the "Union Sabbath School," belonging to the vicinity of Gwin's School House, in Logan township, held a celebration on Thursday last, 25th inst. At nine o'clock in the morning the scholars and teachers met in the school-room and afterwards formed in procession in classes, each teacher taking the head of his or her class. In front was carried a beautifully painted and decorated banner, having on one side the words "UNION SUNDAY SCHOOL," and on the other side the words "JUST AS THE TWIG IS BENT THE TREE'S INCLINED." For this banner the school is mainly indebted to the late lamented Dr. G. D. Thomas, of Altoona, who procured it for the school some two months previous to his death. Thus they marched under the supervision of the officers of the school - their only music the sweet voices of the children who sang "Away, away to the Sabbath School," - until they reached the grove selected for the future exercises of the day, near the residence of the Superintendent, (Hon. J. L. Gwin) where, after a short address by him, the school was dismissed. A number of swings had been put up which were soon resorted to by those fond of that amusement, while others joined in friendly conversation. Here were to be found the aged, who had attained their fourscore years, down to the little prattler in its mother's arms. Parents, children and grand-children were brought together - friendships were renewed - neighbors met not as they ordinarily meet, having only time to speak and part, but with leisure to hold friendly conversation with each other. It is thus a community is strengthened in its friendships and its plans of usefulness. There the Sabbath school as a living reality is brought before the vision of many who, perhaps do not see it at other times. - The very look of the children seemed to say "come then with us (to the Sabbath School) and we will do thee good."

The table having been spread, all were invited to come and partake of the good things with which it was so bountifully ladened. After thanks were offered to Almighty God for this goodness in sending the rain, the fruitful season and abundant harvest, and his blessing implored, all present to the number of 130 or 140 partook of the dinner. Dinner over, two of the scholars recited a dialogue and two others delivered addresses which were listened to with interest. A discussion was then had as to the propriety of Sunday School celebrations. After hearing of both sides, a vote was taken which showed a large majority in favor of annual celebrations. A resolution was also adopted favoring the holding of a Convention of the friends of Sabbath Schools at an early day. The scholars were then dismissed to engage in their recreations until the time to return to their homes arrived. A number of persons from Altoona and other parts of the county were present and expressed themselves well pleased, not a single incident occurred to mar the pleasure of the day. Thus ended the third celebration of the school referred to. May it greatly prosper and abound in good works is the sincere wish of your correspondent. LOGAN.

MARRIED.

On the 25th inst., at the house of the bride's father, by the Rev. Jos. Fichtner, Mr. Jacob J. Noffsker, of Freedom tp., to Miss Mary Jane Stiffler, of Frankstown.

On the 1st of August, by Geo. L. Cowen, Esq., Mr. David Ham to Miss Ruth Myers, all of Taylor tp.

At the Lutheran Parsonage, by the Rev. Lloyd Knight, on the 28th inst., Mr. George Curry to Miss Maggie J. Keasy, both of the Loop.

On the same evening, by the same (Rev. Lloyd Knight, on the 28th inst.), Mr. William Foust of the Cove, to Miss Elizabeth Longenecker of Hollidaysburg.

On the Camp Ground at Woodberry, 14th inst., by the Rev. B. Blake, Mr. Abel Myers, of Maria Forges, to Miss Delaware Thompson of the same place.

DIED.

In Hollidaysburg on the 25th inst., Eliza - daughter of John Gorley and wife - aged 19 years.

In Logan tp, on the 27th inst., Mollie - daughter of John J. Canan and wife - in the 15th year of her age.

In this place, on the 1st ult., William Marshall, son of Robert and Matilda Hackett, aged 1 year and 10 months.

ATTENTION! ALTOONA GUARDS!

You are hereby commanded to meet at your armory, in the Borough of Altoona, on Saturday, September 10th, 1859, at 9 o'clock, A. M., precisely, properly equipped for drill, and provided with eight rounds of blank cartridge. - H. W. SNYDER, Capt.

LIST OF LETTERS REMAINING
In the Post Office at Altoona, September 1st, 1859.

persons calling for letters on this list will please say they are advertised. - JOHN SHOEMAKER, P. M.

NOTICE. - THERE WILL BE A public examination of Teachers for Logan township, on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH. The Examination will commence at 9 o'clock A. M., in the Collinsville School House. Each applicant must be present at that hour and be provided with paper and pencil. Ten teachers are required to supply the schools. - A. LOUDON, Secy. Logan Township, August 18th, 1859

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, September 1, 1859, page 3